Syntax
object.__rmatmul__(self, other)
The Python __rmatmul__()
method implements the reverse matrix multiplication @
operation with reflected, swapped operands. So, when you call x @ y
, Python attempts to call x.__matmul__(y)
. If the method is not implemented, Python attempts to call __rmatmul__
on the right operand and if this isn’t implemented either, it raises a TypeError
.
We call this a “Dunder Method” for “Double Underscore Method” (also called “magic method”). To get a list of all dunder methods with explanation, check out our dunder cheat sheet article on this blog.
Background Matrix Multiplication
In the following example, you create a custom class Data
and overwrite the __matmul__()
method that simply returns a dummy string. The real computation could be much more sophisticated, of course.
class Data: def __matmul__(self, other): return '... my result of matmul...' a = Data() b = Data() c = a @ b print(c) # ... my result of matmul...
The @
operator was introduced to Python’s core syntax from 3.5 onwards thanks to PEP 465. Its only goal is to solve the problem of matrix multiplication. It even comes with a nice mnemonic – @
is * for mATrices.
It is unusual that @
was added to the core Python language when it’s only used with certain libraries. Fortunately, the only other time we use @
is for decorator functions. So you are unlikely to get confused.
Python __matmul__ vs __rmatmul__
Say, you want to calculate the @
operation on two custom objects x
and y
:
print(x @ y)
Python first tries to call the left object’s __matmul__()
method x.__matmul__(y)
. But this may fail for two reasons:
- The method
x.__matmul__()
is not implemented in the first place, or - The method
x.__matmul__()
is implemented but returns aNotImplemented
value indicating that the data types are incompatible.
If this fails, Python tries to fix it by calling the y.__rmatmul__()
for reverse matrix multiplication on the right operand y
.
If the reverse matrix multiplication method is implemented, Python knows that it doesn’t run into a potential problem of a non-commutative operation. If it would just execute y.__matmul__(x)
instead of x.__matmul__(y)
, the result would be wrong because the operation may be non-commutative when defined as a custom operation. That’s why y.__rmatmul__(x)
is needed.
So, the difference between x.__matmul__(y)
and x.__rmatmul__(y)
is that the former calculates x @ y
whereas the latter calculates y @ x
— both calling the respective method defined on the object x
.
A nice little trick is to indirectly define matrix multiplication on a data type that doesn’t support it and that cannot be altered — such as a basic data type like a list — by implementing __rmatmul__
on the other custom class over which one may have control.
You can see this in effect here where we attempt to call the operation on the left operand x
—but as it’s not implemented, Python simply calls the reverse operation on the right operand y
.
class Data_1: pass class Data_2: def __rmatmul__(self, other): return 'called reverse matmul' x = Data_1() y = Data_2() print(x @ y) # called reverse matmul
Related Video
To understand this operation in detail, feel free to read over our tutorial or watch the following video:
References:
Where to Go From Here?
Enough theory. Let’s get some practice!
Coders get paid six figures and more because they can solve problems more effectively using machine intelligence and automation.
To become more successful in coding, solve more real problems for real people. That’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?
You build high-value coding skills by working on practical coding projects!
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🚀 If your answer is YES!, consider becoming a Python freelance developer! It’s the best way of approaching the task of improving your Python skills—even if you are a complete beginner.
If you just want to learn about the freelancing opportunity, feel free to watch my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and learn how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.

While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com that has taught exponential skills to millions of coders worldwide. He’s the author of the best-selling programming books Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), The Art of Clean Code (NoStarch 2022), and The Book of Dash (NoStarch 2022). Chris also coauthored the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books. He’s a computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.